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Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2009-2010
LdF/NLES 4th Grade Session #2
2/25/10 9am-2pm
Camp Jorn
2009-2010
LdF/NLES 4th Grade Session #2
2/25/10 9am-2pm
Camp Jorn
LdF Students: 14 Teacher: Brad Soukup
NLES Students: 12 Teacher: Jean Kaziak
ILI Volunteer: Jody Bognar
ILI Mentors: 6
ILI Volunteer Staff: Matt White, Karen Palmquist, Licia Johnson, and Craig Kerr
We had another wonderful day with the 4th grade students. They really enjoy being able to come to ILI sessions and experience all we have to offer them, and we really enjoy being able to provide this aspect of their education.
As mentioned in the last session review our day was similar to the other two days (Please refer to the Session Review of 2/22/10). We would like to share a story and some pictures with you about the session.
During one of the sessions involving the large world map a girl was giving her family heritage presentation. While she was giving her presentation she held up her family’s crest. All of the students thought it was really cool, and when she finished one of the girls from the other school asked if she could see it. She said sure and gave it to her to look at. Then she came up beside the two girls who were looking at it and had a wonderful interaction about her family and what she had presented. It was an incredible snapshot of what we are trying to accomplish with ILI; students from different backgrounds exploring each other’s culture and sharing together in a positive environment. It was a moving moment hard to explain in words, but speaks volumes to the positive relationships we are trying to build.
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2009-2010
LdF/AVW 4th Grade Session #2
2/23/10 9am-2pm
Camp Jorn
AVW Students: 19 Teacher: Lori Berryman
LdF Students: 13 Teachers: Kristen Halverson and Ms. Lueders
ILI Mentors: 3
ILI Volunteer Staff: Ernie St. Germaine, Matt White, Karen Palmquist, Licia Johnson, and Craig Kerr
Today was another great day with the students. The schedule of the day went very similarly to yesterday (Please see the 2/22/10 summary). However, as we all know the day was not the same as yesterday and we wanted to share a few stories and some pictures from the day.
One of the stories that we wanted to share happened toward the end of the day. We had finished all of our activities and were getting ready to circle up for our evaluation. When we did this one of the boys called out to another boy from a different school to come and sit by him. The other boy responded by getting up, running over towards him, and sliding right in next to him for our final activity. It was a great moment to see the wonderful invitation and the exuberant acceptance of it. It was a great picture of the relationships we are trying to create in ILI.
At the end of the day after the students were on the bus on their way back to school the mentors and staff gathered around to talk about the day. As we talked about the day and listened to everyone’s perspective on the day, one of the mentors expressed how meaningful it was to have the younger students looking up to them. It made the mentor feel important and good about him/herself. One of the other mentors mentioned how they were able to have a different perspective on the day. When asked they explained that being a mentor gave them a different perspective on the day. S/He also talked about how they like learning about the different cultures today. Listening to the mentors speak encourages us to know that we are not only impacting the younger students, but the older ones as well.
The students had a wonderful day signing T-shirts, learning each others’ names, exploring the igloo and snow cave, presenting to their classmates their family history, and becoming friends. We are thankful that we can get the students together to learn about one another in a safe and encouraging environment
Please see the attached photos!
This is the last 4th Grade AVW/LdF Session this year.
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2009-2010
LdF/MHLT 4th Grade Session #2
2/22/10 9am-2pm
Camp Jorn
LdF Students: 14 Teacher: Patti Maulson and Donna Clark
MHLT Students: 12 Teacher: Judi DiMattina
ILI Mentors: 3
ILI Alumni: Joe Lyons
ILI Volunteer: Jodi Bognar
ILI Volunteer Staff: Ernie St. Germaine, Matt White, Karen Palmquist, Licia Johnson, and Craig Kerr
We had a wonderful group of students today! We started out our day in a circle where Matt welcomed everyone and explained the 6 ILI words (Safety, Respect, Pride Communicate, Cooperate, and Fun). We talk about these words every session. When everyone commits to “doing” these six words, we know we will have a great day!
Then we had all of the taller (older) people introduce themselves and tell the group where they call home and why they call that their home. It was great here where the adults and high school students called home and why it meant that to them. We are thankful for the adults who come with the students, volunteers, and the LUHS ILI Mentors!
After the introductions we explained to the students the ILI logo and handed out T-shirts. We have been handing out T-shirts for a number of years and it is great to see them continue to show up at ILI sessions and out in the community after we have given them away. The students made a big circle and put their T-shirts in front of them. When we called “Move to the left!” that is what they did as they signed the shirts of everyone who was there. This is a great experience for the students to share with one another and to be able to carry with them the names of their friends from ILI.
When we finished signing T-shirts we split into three different groups to do some name activities. These are so important to begin the foundation of friendship. It really is amazing how quickly the students learn each other’s names. Another thing that is really neat about these activities is to watch as students from one school start calling out the names of students from the other school. When a students name is called out in this fashion, you can see a smile and the delight of someone from another school calling their name.
When each group was about to end a rotation, they would all huddle together and take turns trying to name everyone in the circle. It was wonderful to see almost every student give this daunting task a try and be positively re-enforced to take that risk.
After lunch we headed outside for a few activities. The high school mentors led these activities and they did a great job. It is amazing to watch these students take on leadership roles and be great role models for the younger students. I have had many high school students say that they couldn’t wait to be a mentor because of what they thought about their mentors when they were in grade school. They truly are leadership material (logo on the back of the ILI T-shirts).
Finally we broke into two groups. One headed inside with Licia and Karen and the other headed over to Craig by the igloo.
Craig talked with the students about how the igloo was built as a one night hunting shelter by an Inuit hunter and his wife. They did this by cutting blocks out of the snow pack and spiraling them around until they made the igloo. When the hunter is cutting the blocks he is actually cutting down into the snow pack. So, they do not have to make the igloo very high. Then Craig talked about the quinsy (snow cave) the 5th graders made two weeks ago. The students had a great time investigating these structures. When we were done they headed into the craft barn to learn about some of their classmates’ heritages. Everyone gathered around our large map and students who had completed their family history sheet were able to share what they had learned about their family. It was incredible to see these young students get up in front of their classmates and proudly talk about their family heritage and the respect that was given to them as they did this. During the students’ presentation, they would show on the world map where their ancestors came from. It was a cool way to share their history with one another.
Karen and Licia talked about their family heritages. Karen shared some of her family’s traditions with the students and asked them to guess where she was from. She also showed them the flag of that country. Some of the students knew when they saw the flag. Karen went on to tell the students about how her family had immigrated to the United States, where they settled, and what traditions they brought with them. She showed them a box her grandmother has that came with the family from Sweden and explained the dala painting that was done on it. She also showed pictures of herself when she was the student’s age during a Swedish celebration of the Winter Solstice. The students hung on every word and move closer to see her photos. Finally, Karen brought out some pepper cocker cookies, which are made in the shape of a heart. The tradition that goes along with this cookie is that you make a wish, take the cookie and put it in your hand, and with the opposite hand in the shape of a fist with a protruding knuckle, you hit it. If the cookie breaks into three pieces then your wish will come true. The students really liked this activity and eating the cookie!
Licia showed the students the jingle dress and moccasins that her aunt made, as well as the pictures of her grandmothers. Then she asked the students where they thought her relatives came from. She went on to explain her family heritage from Lac du Flambeau and her great grandmother Alice Carufel whom she was named after. Licia explained how her family owned the trading post by the train depot and some of the other family names in her history (Headflyer). She also explained the different aspects of the jingle dress, how it was made, why it is important, and how the moccasins were made. The students were riveted on all that she was saying. Finally she let some of the students feel how heavy the dress was by holding onto the hanger. The students were very surprised on how much it weighed.
We had a great day of sharing with one another who we are and where we have come from. I hope you take time to share your history with those around you. It is very important!
This is their last meeting this year.
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2009-2010
LdF/MHLT/NLES 5th Grade Session #2
2/9/10 9am-2pm
Camp Jorn
LdF Students: 13
MHLT Students: 18 Teacher: Mrs. Lucareli
NLES Students: 18 Teacher: Mrs. Busalachi
Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Wardens: Fred Maulson, Heather Naigus, Dan North, and Tom Proplin
WI DNR Wildlife Biologist: Linda Winn
Americorps Volunteer: Karen Palmquist
ILI Mentors: 3
ILI Volunteer Staff: Ernie St. Germaine, Matt White, Licia Johnson, and Craig Kerr
“Into the Outdoors” Staff: Amy Wallace and Scott Jaeger
“Into the Outdoors” Host: Ryan Gold
Host’s Parents: Stuart and Heidi Gold
We had another beautiful winter day for our session! The schedule of the day was similar to yesterday, so please refer to the write-up from Monday.
Yet, within these similarities of schedule, we did have some differences today. At the beginning of the year we had a conversation with the MHLT 5th grade teachers and they told us they had two homerooms that had about 20 students each. They wanted to know if they could bring one group to the Fall session and one to the Winter session. Usually we like to keep the same students coming to build that connection between students as they move through school together. After talking it over among the staff, we said sure we can try something new! As the year progressed and we began to get closer to the Winter session the idea to bring both MHLT homerooms was brought up. One would come on Monday and the other on Tuesday. We presented this to the teachers and they thought it was a great idea. So, today we had the second homeroom from MHLT, and we are glad they had the opportunity to come. We are thankful for the collaboration with the MHLT teachers and other school and community staff that make this program as wonderful as it is!
Also, staff from the children’s show “Into the Outdoors” came to shoot an episode. They brought a 5th grade student with them who will host this “segment” of the show. We were happy to have all of them come join us and Ryan joined us in all of our activities. We are thankful for Fred Maulson connecting with “Into the Outdoors” so that people around the state can see how we are all working together for the benefit our children and community.
Finally, we wanted to share two stories with you about today. One begins with a young man who recently had surgery and came to the session with a number of bandages on his face. The students are curious and they also often fear things and people who are different or who look different. So in order to help answer any questions the students might have and help them understand that this young man is just like them, except the bandages, we asked him to share with us his story. This young man was happy to share his story with the whole group. He told us how it was his eighteenth surgery to remove a birthmark on his face. He went into detail about what the doctors did during the surgery, and you could hear a pin drop in the dining hall full of around 60 5th graders. When the young man was done explaining the surgery and why he had to have it all of the kids began to clap. It was a moving moment that shows that with a little understanding and space to share, we can connect with one another in powerful ways.
The other story is about another young man. As he was standing in a circle sharing with the other students what he was thankful for, he said that he was thankful that everyone made friends quicker than they thought. To be able to hear this young man, who sometimes has difficulty connecting with his peers, talk about how he is connecting with others and its significance to him is a wonderful gift.
We are thankful that we get to see these wonderful glimpses of the impact the students are having on each other as the come together to learn about each one another.
This is the last session for 5th grade this year.
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2009-2010
AVW/LdF/MHLT 5th Grade Session#2
2/8/10 9am-2pm
Camp Jorn
2009-2010
AVW/LdF/MHLT 5th Grade Session#2
2/8/10 9am-2pm
Camp Jorn
AVW Students: 14 Teacher: Mr. Mattson
LdF Students: 19 Teachers: Dorothy Dorn and Lori St. Gemaine
MHLT Students: 20 Teacher: Mrs. Warbalow
Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Wardens: Fred Maulson, Heather Naigus, Dan North, and Tom Proplin
WI DNR Wildlife Biologist: Linda Winn
Americorps Volunteer: Karen Palmquist
ILI Mentors: 2
ILI Volunteer Staff: Ernie St. Gemaine, Matt White, Licia Johnson, and Craig Kerr
Today was a wonderful winter day, and a great day to be outside! Our friends from GLIFWC and the DNR were here today to help us out with our sessions. It is nice to have them both here as such wonderful example of working together. The wardens of both departments are cross deputized to be able to enforce treaty, hunting, and fishing rights to protect our natural resources. We are thankful for their partnership with us and the knowledge and skills they give the students.
We had three different stations today. One of the stations was snow shoeing with the GLIFWC wardens. They talked to the students about the need for snowshoes throughout our history in our area. The wardens also showed the students how to make emergency snow shoes with “Y” branches, rope, and balsam bows. The students really thought that was cool and a number of the students gave it a try! One student did such a nice job that the warden used it as an example for the rest of the day! Finally they had the students take a trip through the deep snow on their snow shoes. They even had a relay race!!! There was a lot of huffing and puffing, but also a great many smiles.
Another station we had was a snow-shelter station. Uncle Ernie talked with the students about how Inuit hunters make temporary shelters out on the ice and snow pack. They do this because they are so far out that they cannot make it back to their houses by bedtime. Then Ernie explained the process of how the Inuit hunter and his wife would go about building the igloo. They would use a caribou rib that was cut jagged on one side to cut blocks to build the igloo. Around and around they would go until they had it built in about 30 minutes. The students enjoyed hearing the story and were eager to help build it. Uncle Ernie also talked about building a snow shelter by digging out a packed snow mound. This is also used a shelter in the snow country. Many of the students had experience building these, so this was strictly a student project; to dig out the snow mound. The group split their time between both activities and had a wonderful time helping each other build the igloo and the snow cave.
The final station was on furbearing animals presented by the WI DNR biologist Linda Winn. She had an array of furs to talk to the students about and help them understand the animal’s habitats, adaptations, and habits. The students were really glued to what she had to say and really liked when she brought the furs around for them to handle. The students worked in groups and were given a pelt of an animal to figure out what kind of adaptations the animal had to be able to survive. The students had really great ideas about how the animal’s traits helped them survive in the environment. She also brought animal skulls with her to show the students how they could identify animals by the kind of teeth that they had. The students were mesmerized by the skulls and learning how to identify them.
The students from all three schools learned a lot about how to survive outside and how animals survive. But most importantly they learned how to get along with one another and make friends with others. The students look forward to coming to ILI and being able to do the active learning, seeing friends from different schools, and making new friends. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve the community in this way.
This is the last meeting for 5th grade this year.
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2009-2010
LdF/NLES 6th Grade Session #1
1/12/10 9am – 2pm
Camp Jorn
LdF Students: 22 Teacher: Ms. Wawronowicz
NLES Students: 17 Teachers: Mrs. Busalacchi and Ms. Pfaller
NLES Parent: Jim Cayo
LUHS Staff: Bill Eckerstorfer
GLIFWC Staff: Tom Kroplin, Mike Mackenzie, Heather Niagus, and Jon Cooksay
Americorps Volunteer: Karen Berquist
ILI Mentors: 6
ILI Volunteers: Dick and Joan Fahning
ILI Staff: Ernie St. Germaine, Matt White, Licia Johnson, and Craig Kerr
Today’s schedule and rotation was very similar to yesterday (Please see yesterday’s write-up). Our friends from Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife did an outstanding job presenting and facilitating the activity stations: Winter Survival and Fire-making, Spearing through the ice, and Trapping and Furs. The students really enjoyed all of the stations. Many of the students enjoyed the opportunity to start a fire with a magnesium fire-starting kit. They worked really hard at getting one started, but only one group was able to get a fire going and keep it lit through out the day. One other group got it going but it did not keep lit.
Many of these students were on the 5th grade overnight last spring. They were happy to see one another and interacted well throughout the day. Many of the things that happened today between students and during the activities are hard to describe in words. The smile shared between to young men from different schools at the end of the day; The hugs given between two students from different schools as they left at the end of the day; The moment of joy on the faces of the students when their fire started and the look of desperation when it went out; The triumphant expressions on the students who were able to build a fire. Many of the interactions today happen between students, within small groups, and even some within the student’s heart. Some of them we did not even see or experience, but it affected the student or students involved.
Towards the end of the day one of the students jumped into a snow bank and realized they had lost their phone, but was not sure where they had lost it. An ILI staff member talked with the teachers and the teachers suggested asking the students if they had seen it, and if they hadn’t they should all go outside and look for it. So, that is what we did. We asked the students if they had found the phone and no one had. So everyone got their boots, jackets and hats on and headed outside to look. Before no time at all, the phone was found and everyone was happy. What could have turned into a bad situation of a missing phone, ended up being an opportunity for everyone to work together to find the missing item.
I am thankful that we have this opportunity for the students to learn and have these experiences with one another. Today was another great day of active learning!
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2009-2010
AVW/LdF/MHLT 6th Grade Session #1
1/11/10 9am - 2pm
Camp Jorn
AVW Students: 24 Teacher: Deb Hunter
LdF Students: 14 Teacher: Lesley Grams
MHLT Students: 11 Teacher: Chris Mattson
LUHS Staff: Rae Lundberg
GLIFWC Staff: Fred Maulson, Tom Kroplin, Heather Niagus, Jon Cooksay
Retired DNR Warden: Mike Mackenzie
Americorps Volunteer: Karen Palmquist
ILI LUHS Students: 7
ILI Volunteers: Dick and Joan Fahning, Pam Cisney
ILI Staff: Ernie St. Gemaine, Matt White, Licia Johnson, and Craig Kerr
As you can see above we had our friends from Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission here today. They had three stations set up that the students rotated through during the day. One of the stations was winter survival and fire making. The wardens made the beginning of a shelter with branches tied together; pine boughs are then laid on top of the sticks; finally it is all covered in snow. The wardens explained a lot about winter survival and the importance of building a good shelter and fire. They demonstrated how to build a fire with tinder and get it started with a magnesium fire starting kit. (You can find these kits a Wal-Mart.) The students were all eager to give it a try. Each of the groups that rotated through broke into three groups and was able to try and build a fire. There were a couple of groups that were so focused on getting fire going this way that they were the last ones in for lunch! They did not want to leave until they could get it going. It was a great learning experience and all the groups really enjoyed the activities at this station.
Another station was spearing through the ice. One of the wardens set up a contemporary fishing tent on the ice. First he showed all the students the different types of decoys used. Some of the decoys were very colorful, others were burnt and dark, and still others had scales burned or carved into them. It was interesting for the students to see first hand what the decoys look like and how the tent is set up. The warden drilled a hole in the ice; put up the tent; covered the snow around the hole with a dark tarp an was ready to have the student come in and take a look around. Once you are in the tent and it is zipped up the only light that is coming into the tent is through the hole cut into the ice. It is very hard to describe the sensation of seeing all the light coming through the hole. But, needless to say all the students and adults who went in, commented on the brightness and warmth of the tent. Only a few people could go in at a time, so the others were outside doing activities that helped them get to know one another. The students enjoyed these activities and were able to tell the group different things that they learned about one another when they were finished.
The final station was on furs and trapping. The wardens had a collection of furs that they talked about and let the students handle. The wardens were very knowledgeable about trapping and the species that exist here in Northern Wisconsin. The students were very attentive as they listened to the wardens talk about the experiences they have had trapping and helping others who have trapped the wrong animal, release them. One of the students favorite parts of the station was being able to handle the furs, put the skunk hat and mittens on, lay underneath the bear skin, and just explore the different markings and textures of the animal hides.
All of the groups interacted well and learned about each other as they went throughout the day. One of the groups at the beginning of the day when asked to get a partner from a different school was a little bashful in doing so. However, by the end of the day when the leaders asked them to partner up with the partner from the beginning of the day, they ran up to each other with big smiles and many of them embraced. What a difference a day makes! As we ended our day and the adults and high school students were talking about how the day went, one of the comments about continued to come up was that it was hard to tell who was from what school. The students got along very well, enjoyed interacting with one another, and had a great day of learning.
We are thankful for the opportunities to bring the students together and have them get to know one another in such a wonderful setting. And, we are proud of our high school mentors for the wonderful job they do with the middle school students. Most of the high school students today have been in ILI since they were in the 4th grade, and they keep coming back to help!